Since the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued new airworthiness regulations in 2007, after more than four years of effort, Nanjing has become home to China’s first type certificate for a light general aviation aircraft.
A balloon, a few people, floating happily in the sky—such days seem within reach...
Envelope, passenger basket, combustion power system, blower... Before long, ordinary residents of Nanjing will be able to buy a hot air balloon for just 70,000 to 80,000 yuan, fulfilling their dream of “soaring through the skies.”
Yesterday morning, at AVIC Hongguang General Aviation Equipment Technology Co., Ltd. on Zipu Road in Chengnan, two blowers roared to life, and a huge colorful canvas-like object on the ground slowly inflated, gradually forming a massive colored sphere that floated partially in the air.
As the sphere began to float, flames three meters long shot out from the basket below, and the hot air caused the large envelope to rise further, quickly lifting into the air.
Each year, at hot air balloon competitions held by the General Administration of Sport of China, 80% of the competing balloons are produced by AVIC Hongguang in Nanjing. In 2011, AVIC Hongguang developed the AX-12, the largest hot air balloon in Asia with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters and room for 20 people.
On March 15, 2007, following international management practices and referencing the airworthiness standards for manned balloons in the United States, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued China’s “Airworthiness Regulations for Manned Free Balloons,” setting higher requirements for the design, manufacturing, and flight of hot air balloons. The regulations stipulate that hot air balloons must undergo airworthiness certification before they can be used for flight or sold on the market. Starting in April 2009, AVIC Hongguang in Nanjing began applying to the civil aviation authority, and the application was accepted.
It is reported that the upcoming mass-produced HG2 model aviation hot air balloon will be priced between 75,000 and 80,000 yuan. To ensure safety, all materials used are five times stronger than standard specifications.
Three-meter flame propels giant balloon
In addition to passengers, each hot air balloon’s basket contains four gas cylinders in the four corners, similar in appearance to household propane tanks. This fuel reserve allows the balloon to fly for approximately one hour and 40 minutes under normal conditions. Of course, fuel usage and flight duration depend on many factors, such as the operator’s proficiency (somewhat like a car driver) and weather conditions, including temperature.
It’s worth mentioning the weather factor. Many assume that the hotter the weather, the more energy-efficient the hot air balloon. But according to technicians at Hongguang, the reality is quite the opposite—colder weather is actually more energy-efficient, allowing for longer flights.
The explanation is that hot air balloons primarily rely on the temperature difference between the inside and outside to generate lift and rise. In hot weather, even with significant heating from below, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the balloon isn’t very large—unlike in winter, when even a small amount of heat creates a significant temperature difference. Therefore, flying a hot air balloon in winter is actually more energy-efficient than in summer.
Additionally, although hot air balloons aren’t extremely expensive, operating them requires not only a skills training certificate but also a flight permit for the balloon.
It is understood that in Nanjing, the most ideal locations for hot air balloon flights are first Pukou and second Jiangning. Multiple test flights have also been conducted in these areas.
The colder the weather, the more energy-efficient it is
According to reports, the HG2 model hot air balloon that has received certification is very safe when operated properly and in strict accordance with operational standards.
The reporter also experienced its takeoff and landing process. Climbing into the basket, which is only about one or two square meters in size, three corners hold gas pipes similar to household propane tanks, and there is also a seasoned test pilot from Hongguang with 400 hours of flying experience. As a result, the reporter felt no nervousness or fear of heights upon boarding.
“It might get a bit hot!” the test pilot reminded the reporter before takeoff.
As the flames shot upward, the hot air balloon began to ascend slowly, with the basket swaying slightly. The reporter gripped the handles tightly. In just over ten seconds, the balloon rose to the height of a three-story building and then hovered in the air. When the heat began to decrease, the balloon showed signs of descending, so the test pilot pulled the lever above the reporter’s head—a switch to reignite the burner. The flames shot out again, and the balloon continued to ascend and float. Because of the tether lines below, it did not climb higher.
Later, as the heat diminished, the balloon slowly descended back to the ground without any moments of tension.